Heavenly Hughes, My Tribe Rise: Helping Altadena Fire Victims

Deborah Kobylt LiveLeave a comment

Nearly 9500 homes, businesses, churches, and schools burned in the Altadena fires last year, and many in the community are facing foreclosure on their homes because there’s been little movement to recover funds to rebuild. Rents are sky high for most, and they simply can’t make ends meet. Developers are swooping in to make low ball offers to homeowners, and many are forced to settle because it’s their only choice. Residents aren’t getting much help from local, county, or state government, either, and it’s time everyone steps up.

Meet Heavenly Hughes, longtime Altadena resident and founder of My Tribe Rise, a grass roots organization that provides funding and resources for members of the community in need of housing, work, and a place to turn during this critical time. The residents of Altadena say they’re trying to remain hopeful, but time is running out. They’ve asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to step in to ensure homeowners don’t foreclose, because people still have to pay their mortgage even though there’s no home, and they’re paying rent at the same time. It’s too much. Heavenly is working every angle to get people the help they need, and it’s been a challenge. So we’re talking with her about it on our show, and I hope you’ll join our conversation and do what you can, too.

You can find my full interview with Heavenly on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite your friends, too. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.

Randy Gardner, LETS TALK OLYMPICS & Go Figure: The Randy Gardner Story

Deborah Kobylt LiveLeave a comment

The Olympics are here, and one of my all-time favorite sports to watch is figure skating!!! So today, I welcome a skating legend to our show, Randy Gardner, who won the 1979 World Figure Skating Championships along with his skating partner, Tai Babilonia. Tai and Randy also won five U.S. Figure Skating Championships from 1976-1980 and qualified for the Winter Olympics in 1976 and 1980, but what happened just before their skate was truly crushing.

This year, the Olympics has some of the most brilliant skaters on the U.S. team, from quad-God Ilia Malinin to Amber Glenn, recognized for landing the rare triple axel, and teammates Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito. We’ll ask Randy to break down what to look for and what we might expect. And of course there’s the other winter sports to look forward to as well, from skiing to bobsledding. I also want to know what it feels like to walk into the arena with the possibility of bringing home the Gold. It must be amazing.

We’ve had Randy on our show previously to discuss his incredible documentary, Go Figure, The Randy Gardner Story, which is a jaw-dropping string of events starting with his conception. Let’s just say at multiple times during the documentary, I had to stop and say, “did that just happen??” So we’ll talk about that, too. And I’d like to add, despite more than a few bumps in the road, or in his case, cracks in the ice, Randy has remained positive throughout.

Ondi Timoner, Filmmaker, “All The Walls Came Down”

Deborah Kobylt Live

Please welcome to our show award-winning filmmaker, Ondi Timoner, who lost her home in Altadena when the Eaton fire tore through neighborhoods there last January, killing 19 people and leaving thousands of others without a home.This is a tight-knit, multi-generational community where kids played safely in the streets, residents organized block parties, and neighbors would meet at nearby coffee shops. But that’s all gone now, up in flames in just one night, leaving residents to mourn not just homes, but their community, wondering if they’ll ever be able to rebuild, siting little help from government officials and most insurance companies.

So Ondi did what she does best, and produced the documentary, “All The Walls Came Down,” a magnificent portrayal of the struggle, sadness, and reality of those who lost so much, including those residents who tragically lost family members. This is a stunning portrayal of a community left to fend for themselves, hanging on to hope while still looking for answers.
Ondi graduated cum laude from Yale and is the founder of Interloper Films. In fact, two of her films were acquired by New York’s Museum of Modern Art for its permanent collection. We will talk with Ondi about her outstanding career in the arts and what fuels her as a filmmaker, particularly this latest film, where she’s part of the action.

Please join me in welcoming Ondi Timoner to all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.

John Kobylt, Award-Winning Talk Show and Podcast Host on KFI am 640 and iHeart Radio

Deborah Kobylt Live

Already there have been huge changes politically to start off 2026, from local to international politics, so I’ve invited #JohnKobylt, host of the top-rated #JohnKobyltShow on iHeart Radio podcasts and KFIam640 radio in Los Angeles to break down the latest issues that people are talking about here and around the world.

We’ll talk about the latest international developments and what this could mean for the U.S. and around the globe. Locally, we’ll discuss the investigation surrounding the disastrous fires that claimed dozens of lives and thousands of homes throughout Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena, and what’s being done to help people rebuild. We will also talk about the possibility of Gov. Gavin Newsom possible run for the democratic nomination for president. Then there’s the explosion of AI, possible new IPO’s, and how this is expected to effect the lives and livelihoods of many in our country. In addition, what are the projections for the job market, and much more.

There’s a lot to talk about, so please tune in to my discussion with John Kobylt as we navigate the latest news and trends on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE.

I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.

@johnkobyltradio @johnkobyltofficial @kfiam640 #JohnKobyltShow #Radio

Lisa Price Canale, Interior Designer, Palisades Fire Survivor

Deborah Kobylt Live

Lisa Price is one of the most sought-after interior designers in Los Angeles. Her clean,
crisp style blends effortlessly with any genre, and she incorporates that with the needs
and wants of her clients. I know, because I’ve been a client. But when Lisa and her
family lost their home in the Palisades fire nearly one year ago, she decided to take on
rebuilding with a fresh approach – using materials that are fire resistant, easy to order,
install, and easy on the budget. Lisa joins us today to talk about building in the future
with cost-effective measures that are sustainable, durable, and ultimately cheaper
than more traditional methods.

Lisa will walk us through the shock of losing her dream home in the Palisades, and
how she immediately sought ways to make sure her new home could withstand any
pressures nature might spring her way. For example, she is using steel instead of
wood frame to rebuild, and she lists so many reasons why this is preferred, including
for termites! And the steel is made from recycled cars, which is sustainable.
We will also speak with Lisa about her journey as a businesswoman, starting as a
staging company and ultimately selling her business to one of the largest in Los
Angeles, providing her complete financial freedom. But it wasn’t always so easy, and
she built her business client by client, and Lisa Price Interiors has become one of the
most trusted in the industry.

Please join me in welcoming Lisa Price to #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite your
friends, too. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you
here.

Sheila Schroeder, Financial Consultant & Author, “It’s Time To Talk $”

Deborah Kobylt Live

“It’s Time To Talk $: A Woman’s Guide To Navigating Money Conversations” provides
a hands-on guide for investing and managing money, particularly for women, written
by private wealth manager Sheila Schroeder.

It’s a smart guide for one’s financial future, which women have traditionally not done
and left for their partners to control. This book touches upon key points from legacy
planning to learning about market trends, preparing for relationship changes, how to
get your fair market value at work (men still get paid more than women), and more.
Sheila said she decided to write this book after decades of experience working the
global markets, but it’s also personal. She needed to establish her own financial
independence after navigating through a difficult childhood and watching her mother
manage life with a controlling father. She talks about that in her book, and says
planning, having an emergency fund, and learning to be financially literate is critical to
surviving on your own or within a family unit.

Please join me in welcoming Sheila Schroeder to all video and audio platforms of
#DeborahKobyltLIVE.

I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.
Explora el podcast

Simon Poole, MD & Amy Riolo, Authors, Managing Cholesterol for Dummies

Deborah Kobylt Live, Little Italy of LA

Got high cholesterol? There’s ways to manage it, and I’ll be speaking with nutrition expert Amy Riolo & Dr. Simon Poole about their latest book, “Managing Cholesterol for Dummies.” This is a comprehensive look into how we can manage cholesterol, inflammation, and oxidation levels in our bodies, in addition to addressing who might be at cardiovascular risk and how to safely manage it.

The duo will show us easy lifestyle changes and healthy recipes to incorporate into our every day lives. We will also discuss how to understand “good” and “bad” cholesterol, because a lot has changed in recent years.

Also, we could be at risk for cardiovascular disease and not even know it, and we will discuss those early warning signs. In addition, Amy and Simon will guide to us on what to ask our doctors, because let’s face it, we often go to the doctor’s office and leave with our questions unanswered. As for medicines, they will discuss treatment options, medicines, and holistic approaches to cholesterol management. So there’s a lot to go over.

Amy Riolo and Dr. Simon Poole have written a variety of “Dummies” books guiding us to better health and nutrition. I’m honored to welcome them back to our show to discuss managing cholesterol, something we eventually all need.

Please find my full conversation with Amy Riolo and Dr. Simon Poole on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast, & #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.

Alexia Melocchi, Global Producer, Author, “The Art of Show Biz” & Producer, Little Studio Films

Deborah Kobylt Live, Little Italy of LA

There’s a lot of talk about the changes in Hollywood, a city that has been at the center of moviemaking and TV production for nearly a century. So we invited producer and writer Alexia Melocchi, who co-authored the book, “The Heart of Show Business,” to talk about what’s really happening in this city of dreams. Alexia will discuss in detail a road map to navigating how work is getting done in this new era.

“The Heart of Show Business” speaks with industry professionals from writers, directors, actors, athletes, and more, discussing how to stay ahead and win at every level. Each chapter offers career insights and professional advice from with a variety of successful individuals, including Blair Underwood, Keith Mitchell, Rev. Michael Beckwith, Jean-Michel Cousteau and many others. I found it deeply interesting to dive into the mindset of industry pros, a terrific tool for any profession.

But in the ever-changing entertainment industry, it’s critical to stay one step ahead. Whether it’s Ai, digital, the business of acting, where the industry is headed,
or how to learn the ABC’s of filmmaking, Alexia offers an interesting perspective on what’s next.

Please find my full interview with Alexia on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast, & #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast.

I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.

Bruno Serato, Founder, Caterina’s Club & Anaheim White House

Deborah Kobylt Live, Little Italy of LA

Bruno Serato, owner of the Anaheim White House Restaurant and founder of Caterina’s Club, feeds literally thousands of children and families every day, and he’s raising money so his Caterina’s foundation can continue feeding literally thousands every day who would otherwise go hungry. And he joins us today to talk about it.

Just last week, SoCal powerhouse radio station #KFIam640 (where my husband hosts the #JohnKobyltShow), teamed up with Bruno, Smart & Final, Wendy’s, and De Cecco pasta to raise money and bunches of pasta and sauce so Bruno could continue doing what he does best – feeding hungry people. And the mission has been affectionately called #Pastathon.

Already, they’ve raised close to $1-million dollars, and the campaign is still going, and he’ll talk about how you can help. Now that’s A LOT of Pasta!

Bruno has become a friend over the years, and many of us call him a saint. His generosity was inspired by his mom, Caterina, who gave him the inspiration to feed hungry children in nearby Anaheim. He took the challenge, and so many years later, he’s been recognized by Time Magazine, CNN Heros, the Pope, and others around the globe.

We will talk with Bruno about his humble beginnings before moving to the United States, where his restaurant quickly became a fixture in Southern California. But he’s faced plenty of tough times, too, like when his restaurant burned to the ground a few years ago, and his first thought was, “how will I feed the children.” He rebuilt, and came back stronger than ever.

Please join me in welcoming Bruno Serato on all audio and video platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast, and our #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and I thank you for joining me.

Pasquale Esposito, Acclaimed Tenor & Carlo Ponti, Famed Conductor, & LA Virtuosi Orchestra

Deborah Kobylt Live, Little Italy of LA

When famed tenor and songwriter Pasquale Esposito was growing up in Naples, Italy, the music of Enrico Caruso would play throughout his house, inspiring him to sing at the local church in town. His dream was to come to America, to study and eventually perform. And that’s exactly what he did.

Fast forward twenty-five years, and Pasquale is now performing internationally to critical acclaim, and on Dec. 10, he’ll perform along side world-renowned conductor Maestro Carlo Ponti on the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, California, presenting a magical Holiday concert of American and Italian traditions through spirited carols and emotional Neapolitan melodies. And I’m honored to speak with both gentlemen today on my show.

I’ve known Carlo for some time now, and not only am I a huge fan of his work, but I admire his incredible talent and creative style. I’m also honored to call him a friend.
Most people know he’s the eldest son of the beautiful and talented Ms. Sophia Loren and filmmaker Carlo Ponti, and one can only imagine life growing up among such talent. But not only did Carlo inherit his parents gift of performance, he’s lived his life in service of the arts, having founded the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra, which raises awareness and funds for music education in the Los Angeles area.

He shares his gift of philanthropy with Pasquale, who founded Notable Music and Arts, a non-profit focused on promoting cultural exchange through music, dance, theater, film, visual arts, and literature. We’ll talk with both of them about this, in addition to their work, life, and upcoming performance at the Broad on 12/10.

Please find my full conversation with Maestro Carlo Ponti and Tenor Pasquale Esposito on all video and audio podcast platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast, and the #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast.
I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.